November 1-3, 2017 - Port of Spain, Trinidad GEC annual summit Green enterprises: driving the transition from local to global November 1-3, 2017 - Port of Spain, Trinidad

Introductions

Green economy in the Caribbean

“In the context of the Caribbean, a Green Economy is one that aims for long-term prosperity, rather than solely for growth, through equitable distribution of economic benefits and effective management of ecological resources. It is economically viable and resilient to both external and internal shocks; self- directed and not driven by external agendas or funding opportunities, and self-reliant by being based predominantly on domestic production and investment. A Caribbean Green Economy is pro-poor and generates decent jobs and working conditions that offer opportunities for self-advancement for local people.” CANARI Policy Brief 13

Key principles Economic viability/ economic wellbeing Social inclusion/ equity Environmental sustainability/ within ecological limits Resilience Good governance

The Caribbean Green Economy Action Learning Group Purpose: to identify and promote ways in which ‘green economy’ can advance sustainable development in the Caribbean through shaping visions, perspectives, positions and actions.

Caribbean programme of work Local small and medium-enterprises (SMEs) identified as a key potential pathway to a green economy in the Caribbean Research agenda developed by Caribbean SME ALG

Focus on “green enterprises” Micro and small, many informal Owned and operated by (rural) communities Many based on ecosystem goods and services Delivering triple-bottom line benefits: Economically viable Benefits spread to the community Operations are environmentally sustainable

Key challenges How can local SMEs deliver triple-bottom line benefits? How can local green enterprises be effectively supported? How can we scale up local green enterprises to achieve impact and contribute to transforming economic development?